Minnesota Trails 2025 Spring

MOUNTAINTRAILS

522 Sinclair Lewis Avenue Sauk Centre, MN 56378

www.MnTrails.com

Minnesota Trails Staff

Jan Lasar

Editor/Publisher

Joyce Frericks

Accounting

Karen Knoblach

Page Layout & Design

Graphic Design

Editorial Board

Brett Feldman

Executive Director

Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota

Vol. 30, No. 1 March 2025

Minnesota Trails magazine is a continuation of Minnesota Bike Trails & Rides, published quarterly in cooperation with the Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota, a nonprofit organization that acquires, protects and enhances critical lands for public enjoyment. Your $35 membership subscription supports this work.

Minnesota Trails is not responsible for the return of unsolicited materials and reserves the right to reject unsuitable advertising. Information in this publication is as accurate as possible. Opinions expressed are those of the authors and not of Minnesota Trails.

Continuing the

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FINANCIAL

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FEATURES

8 Minnesota Mountain Bike Series

24 Minnesota Waterfalls

Steve Johnson

30 Kids These Days

Edina’s Mountain Bike Team Inspires

New Trails

Steve Johnson

34 Roch ‘n Roll

Rochester Mountain Bike Trails

Steve Johnson

36 River Bluff Ride

Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center, Lanesboro, MN

Steve Johnson

COLUMNS

6 Minnesota Miles

Jan Lasar

DEPARTMENTS

4 Parks & Trails Council News

Lisa Filter

7 Trails Q&A

Conversations with Trail Users

9 Minnesota Mountain Bike Guide

Minnesota Trails by Region

18 Bike Ride Guide

Minnesota Events May–September

38 MN Trails Map

Minnesota’s Trails At-A-Glance

39 Trail Partners

Find Trail-Friendly Businesses

State Park, Silver Bay, MN

ABOVE: High Falls at Tettegouche

Steve Johnson photo

COVER: Braemar Trails, Edina, MN City of Edina photo

PARKS & TRAILS COUNCIL ACQUIRES LAND FOR SWEDISH IMMIGRANT

REGIONAL TRAIL

LAND WILL CLOSE 2-MILE GAP & PAIRED WITH THE WESTERN EXTENSION, WILL COMPLETE THIS DESTINATION QUALITY TRAIL

Building a trail can be like

Immigrant Regional Trail—has been three decades in the making. This January, Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota acquired three critical parcels that will enable the county to trail between the cities of Center been planning and constructing trail on a railroad corridor that area is incredibly scenic, with abundant lakes, rolling pastoral landscapes, wetlands, and small forests. This trail segment will

beauty in this part of the state.

As of today, the trail is built in two unconnected segments: a 5-mile segment between Center City and a 6-mile segment

Laying between these segments has been a roughly 2-mile gap that has been a top priority to acquire and develop for nearly

from Chisago County residents, and cities.

Part of the challenge to this

project was that three separate landowners each owned part, and each had generations of history and attachment to the land. Building the 10-foot-wide bituminous trail would require a 50-to-100-foot-wide corridor running across each property.

Trail-building projects rely on landowners embracing them and willingly selling their land. Yet, even the most ardent supporters can hesitate if a trail impinges on land they use. For this project, the former railroad corridor on which the trail was planned was now being used as a farm.

route that avoids traversing the farm.

“In the end, this is a perfect route,” says Chisago County Parks Director Joe Tart. Even though the trail will curve south near the highway, it will be separated and elevated enough

Swedish Immigrant Trail by Andrew Oftedal/ P&TC

to provide scenic views of the area. “We want as little impact as possible for the landowners, and we worked to cooperate and get their input on the project.” Finding an alternate route for the other two properties would have been much more challenging, but luckily, that wasn’t necessary.

Beyond these properties, another roughly 1,500 feet of land included in this trail project came from previously acquired trail easements abutting property owned by the

Funding is an essential factor in most land sales discussions. To make readily available funds. By partnering with P&TC, these conversations turned earnest. Ultimately, P&TC purchased the rights-of-way from these three separate landowners and will hold them in trust for the trail.

P&TC’s land fund exists for this very reason—to provide readily available funds and know-how to purchase land before an opportunity is lost.

The county anticipates that the state legislature will approve $2.4 million later this summer for acquisition and development. However, it needed to act while the iron was hot rather than hoping a landowner would wait months for potential legislative action. The Greater Minnesota Parks and Trails Commission, a governmental body tasked with recommending how the Legacy Parks and Trails Fund is spent, has recommended the Legislature fully fund this project.

If funds are approved this summer, Tart expects the county will be able to begin construction in spring 2026.

It will weave together a system of trails across various city and county jurisdictions.

Immigrant Trail seeing exciting progress. On the western end, the county plans to build another 6-7 miles of between Chisago City and Forest Lake is planned for reconstruction starting in 2026. Once that project is complete, the trail will connect directly to the Hardwood Creek Regional Trail in Forest Lake, which connects seamlessly to the Trail.

From the 2015 fall edition of Minnesota Trails Magazine:

It’s fun to rummage through old copies of Trails and take a trip back in time, especially in our publication’s 30th year. One of the early pieces I wrote for Trails was a story about my first trip to Cuyuna, a four-year-old fledgling trail system at the time. Many more visits followed in the 10 years between then and now, and Old Silver, my trusty 1996 Specialized Hard Rock mountain bike, is still going strong. Besides a fresh bottom bracket, improved saddle, and new grip shifters (yes, those), it’s all original, and it’s here to stay. A similar bike is currently on sale on eBay for an incredible $895, almost three times what I paid for mine back in the day. This year, Old Silver will finally get new tires, and it boggles my mind that they’ve survived this long. I hope I can find the same gumwall knobbies, because they should last me into my eighties. Enjoy the trip back in time. I do every mountain bike ride I take.

Some time ago I bought a mountain bike, but I lived nowhere near a mountain. It was a slow ride with a silver frame and big, black, knobby tires. The seat was terribly uncomfortable, and the straight handlebars gave me a stiff neck. In over ten years, I barely managed to move it 20 miles, and it spent most of its time in the shed, where the tires went flat, and the shiny silver parts went gray with dust over time. Then, in June 2011, the mountain bike trails opened in the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area, and I remembered Old Silver. One beautiful summer morning, I pumped up the tires on that brand new old bike and headed north, because I needed to nd out more. I took a look at the course map and wondered what was in store for me on these trails named Sandhog Mountain, Man Cage, Easy Street and Boot Camp. I had never been mountain biking before, and I had no idea what was about to happen. My research told me

Jan Lasar Trails Editor/Publisher

Some time ago I mountain bu near a m w silver frame and big sea uncomfort han ave me a stif over ten yea to 20 miles, r in a t b n o w f S e, n n happen an wasabouttohappen

the course had been designed to provide maximum amounts of what trail designers call flow. Once I hit the red dirt, I knew what it meant— short bursts of climbing followed by coasting, turning and zigzagging around rocks, trees and over the occasional man-made challenge. I was riding a roller coaster with my bike, and I was hooked. The tires, clumsy and slow on pavement, clawed right into the banked turns of the Ferrous Wheel. The pain-inthe-neck handlebars finally revealed their true purpose: to keep my arms out in front of me while tearing down Man High Hill. As for the seat, I spent most of my time standing up, just letting the bike buck and roll underneath me, effortlessly, down the Bobsled. After dodging and weaving my way around the ice blue mine lakes for three hours, I popped back out of the woods, grinning from ear to ear, sweating and caked with a scab-colored grime. I had stopped paying attention to the trail signs a while ago, and, to my surprise, I was back in the parking lot. “Nice retro ride!” someone said when I was loading up. On my way back home, I looked in the rearview mirror and saw my bike swaying on the rack at the back of the car, covered in red dirt. I had finally taken Old Silver for a ride. Today, I own Max, a fat bike with even bigger, knobbier tires, and it’s even more fun to ride. Old Silver is still around, and they now have an annual Klunker Ride at Cuyuna, just for old horses like him. In the future, the Cuyuna Mountain Bike Crew hopes to expand the trail system so you can ride three days without repeats and add many more miles of trails. We’ll be there.

THE ARTIST, THE APPRECIATOR & THE TRAVELING SOUL ARE ALL WELCOME HERE.

of people we meet along the trail Trails

Snapshots

Jerilyn Seals Verndale, MN

Occupation: Semi-retired cleaning woman

Seen: Horseback riding with friend Darla Krause near the headwaters of the Long Prairie River at Lake Carlos State Park.

Tell me about your horses: Josie and Ranger are Tennessee Walking Horses, gaited horses with a smoother ride.

What does being outdoors mean to you? Therapy.

Favorite Minnesota park or trail? Maplewood State Park is beautiful in the fall.

Best Minnesota experience? Getting together with the Galloping Gals, a women’s riding group.

Worst Minnesota experience? Experiencing tennis ball-size hail while riding in the Foothills State Forest.

Advice for the novice equestrian? Spend a lot of money on a really good horse.

What would you do with $1,000? Take all of my friends camping.

Trail Treat? A Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy and peanuts.

Steinbach Rogers, MN

Occupation: Retired baseball player

Gear: Trek Verve Plus ebike

Seen: Taking a break from biking 25 miles between Tower and Ely on the Mesabi Trail during the Tomassoni Tour, with his wife, Mary.

What does being outdoors mean to you? To get out on the Mesabi Trail and get into nature just on the cusp of leaves turning, that means a lot to me.

What do you think of the Mesabi Trail? I’d heard about the trail and the fundraising that Senator Tomassoni did, so to finally connect the dots and get on the trail, I was not disappointed at all.

Best Minnesota experience? I’m an avid outdoorsman, hunting pheasants, deer, duck. It’s that connection to nature I really like.

Advice for the novice hunter: Find someone with experience that can teach you.

What’s on your Minnesota bucket list? Moose hunting, but we might have to go to Canada for that.

What would you do with $1,000? I’d give it to the Minnesota Waterfowl Association’s Woody Camp, which teaches kids how to duck hunt.

Trail Treat? There’s nothing wrong with a nice Tito’s Martini, dirty, straight up.

Occupation: Park Naturalist with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Gear: Hiking shoes, hydration backpack, and DNR hat and polo shirt.

Seen: Leading a bog walk tour at Big Bog State Rec Area. How many tours do you lead in a year? One per month in the summer, starting in June. What does being outdoors mean to you? I go out into nature to be alone, but I’m not actually alone. I’m surrounded by nature itself.

What’s your favorite thing to do outdoors? I like to hike and bike.

Favorite Minnesota park or trail? Lake Bemidji State Park. I go out there at least twice a week to see what’s going on.

Best Minnesota experience? Finding a palm-size agate in the dirt near a stream while hiking.

Advice for the novice hiker? Get supportive shoes, water, snack and a first aid kit, and plan your hikes before you go.

What’s on your Minnesota bucket list? Hiking the Superior Hiking Trail in sections.

What would you do with $1,000? I would buy a nice paddle board. Trail Treat? Molasses cookies.

Occupation: Mom

Gear: Specialized Myka mountain bike.

Seen: Mountain biking at Lake Brophy County Park in Alexandria, MN.

How many miles do you bike per year? About 3,000, but in the winter I ride a stationary bike in the basement.

What does being outdoors mean to you? Oh, this is where I want to be! We have a tiny, little house, and we spend most of our time outside.

Favorite Minnesota park or trail? The trails around Lake Harriet, and the Boundary Waters at Sawbill Lake.

Best Minnesota experience? Camping in the Boundary Waters for a week.

Worst Minnesota experience? Hiking through thick spider webs at Crosby Manitou State Park, but it was still a great place to go.

Advice for the mountain biker: Go out, try it and talk to your local bike shop.

What’s on your Minnesota bucket list? I want to go up to Voyageurs National Park and rent a houseboat. What would you do with $1,000? I’d rent a house boat.

Trail Treat? Any IPA beer.

Christa Drake Bemidji, MN

Terry

Amanda Eames Minneapolis, MN

www.mnmtbseries.com

May 18: GAMEHAVEN LAKESIDE GRIND Rochester, MN

June 1: REDHEAD Chisholm, MN

June 15: BORDER CROSSING | River Falls, WI

June 22: ST. CROIX WOOLLY St. Croix Falls, WI

July 13: BERTRAM CHAIN OF LAKES Monticello, MN

July 20: DETROIT MTN SHAKEDOWN Detroit Lakes, MN

August 3: BLUFF RIDERS CHARGE Mt. Kato, Mankato, MN

August 10: TIOGA THRILLSEEKER | Grand Rapids, MN

August 24: CUYUNA CRUSHER | Crosby-Ironton, MN

August 31: LADDIES LOPPET | Maplelag, Callaway, MN

NORTHEAST MN Minnesota Mountain Bike Trails

Carlton | Jay Cooke State Park–13 miles: Trails are a combination of grass, dirt and pavement, with spectacular views. Silver Creek Trail and Summer Trail are groomed for fatbikes in the winter.

Cloquet | Pine Valley Mountain Bike Trails–5 miles: Stacked loops rated beginner to intermediate with switchbacks and flow sections through stands of pine trees and open areas. These gravel trails are machine built and feature two expert and one intermediate jump trail. Because of the nature of the soil, trails remain open even when wet. Skinnies and gap jumps with b-lines keep things interesting. Groomed for fatbiking in a park that also has ski trails. A dirt parking lot with a porta-potty is available adjacent to the Cloquet hockey arena.

Cohasset | Tioga Trails–25 miles: This new mountain bike trail system in the location of a former mine pit offers trails for all skill levels as well as jump lines, flow trails and a beginner skills section. Groomed for fatbikes in the winter.

Duluth Area

Duluth has been named Gold Level Ride Center by the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA), one of six such destinations in the world. The Cyclists of Gitchee Gumee Shores (COGGS) maintain and develop Duluth’s extensive trail system.

• Craft Connector–1.1 miles: Two-way trail connecting the Enger Tower Scenic Overlook and the Lincoln Park Craft District. The downhill ride from Enger has some jump opportunities.

• Downer Park–0.5 miles: A work in progress for the advanced rider. More trails coming.

• Duluth Traverse–40 miles: As beginner level, two-way singletrack, the Duluth Traverse (DT) connects the city’s trail networks at Lester Park, Hartley Park, Piedmont-Brewer Park, Spirit Mountain and Mission Creek like a spine across the city.

• Hartley Park–9 miles: Beginner to intermediate trails through the hardwood forests and open marsh areas of Hartley Nature Center. Groomed for fatbikes in the winter.

• Lester Park–12.5 miles : Beginner to intermediate. Beautiful views of the river valley and smooth, flowing single track. There are some rocky or rooty sections, but overall the trail is non-technical and the best option in the Duluth area if you are newer to mountain biking. Groomed for fatbikes in the winter.

• Mission Creek–23 miles: Beginner to intermediate. Fast and flowing singletrack with many bridges, berms, and rollers. This trail network traverses a dramatic, heavily forested landscape with spectacular views of the St. Louis River Valley and Jay Cooke State Park. Groomed for fatbiking in the winter.

• Piedmont & Brewer Trails–9 miles: Intermediate to advanced, challenging trails with bridges and features. Significant elevation changes with large rocky bluffs. Groomed for fatbiking in the winter.

• Spirit Mountain Bike Park–Beginner to advanced. Outstanding views of Lake Superior are the norm at Spirit Mountain. The terrain is demanding, but is sure to reward with amazing vistas. Lift-assisted downhill mountain biking and fatbiking.

• Stone Age–1.2 miles: Short, but quite a workout even for advanced riders. A long, technical uphill is rewarded with awesome views and the way down has challenges around every corner. Just north of the Mission Creek trails.

Duluth to Grand Marais | C.J. Ramstad/North Shore State Trail–146 miles: This remote and rugged backcountry trail travels through wilderness areas on Minnesota’s North Shore. It’s primarily used for snowmobiling, but is open to hiking and biking and, in parts, ATV riding.

NORTHEAST MNMinnesota Mountain Bike Trails 2025

Ely Area

• Hidden Valley Recreation Area–23 miles: Hidden Valley’s ski trails turn into a mountain bike paradise during the warmer months. In addition to 13 miles of wide, grassy paths, there’s another 10 miles of singletrack trail. The system currently consists of four loops rated beginner to intermediate. The singletrack trail is groomed for fatbiking in the winter. Hidden Valley also has a one-mile mountain biking skills course near the club chalet.

• Fenske Lake–This area has many opportunities to explore forest and logging roads. Trails cross over rolling hills and pass through spruce forests.

• Fernberg Tower–This area is located along the Fernberg Road east of Ely. Several county and forest roads intersect giving an opportunity to explore the Superior National Forest, visit the hill that once held the Fernberg Lookout Tower and visit several lakes. The route includes both gravel and natural surface trails.

• Nickel Lake Area–This area provides rolling wooded hills, grassy bogs and beaver dams. There is access to several isolated lakes and an abandoned granite quarry that last operated in the 1930s.

Grand Marais | Pincushion Mountain–10 miles: Challenging trails with awesome Lake Superior views. Switchbacks, bridges, rock gardens and lots of elevation changes. Groomed for fatbiking in the winter.

Grand Rapids Area

• Forest History Center–5 miles: Explore the Forest History Center by bike. Beginner trail through 1900s logging camp and virgin timber forest.

• Legion Trails–7 miles: Hand-built singletrack trail ranging from fast and flowing to tight, twisty and technical. Near Grand Rapids High School.

Grand Rapids to Ely | Taconite State Trail–165 miles: Popular multipurpose trail that moves through out-of-the-way forests and lakes and stretches 165 miles from Grand Rapids to Ely. It intersects with the Arrowhead State Trail just west of Lake Vermillion. Passes through Bear Head Lake State Park. Some areas may be impassable in the summer.

Hinckley | Saint Croix State Park–21 miles: Wide, grassy trail in the woods with some dirt sections on the Matthew Lourey State Trail.

Mesabi Iron Range Area

• Biwabik | Giants Ridge–10 miles: Giants Ridge offers lift-served mountain biking on ten downhill gravity trails ranging from easy to expert. The Mountain Bike Park has over ten miles of purpose-built trails on rolling hills through the Superior National Forest. In the winter, 60km of the groomed ski trails are available for fatbiking and the resort also offers lift-served downhill fatbiking on select downhill runs.

Jackpot Trail, Lutsen, MN | Rick Pertl photo

NORTHEAST MN Minnesota Mountain Bike Trails 2025

• Chisholm | Redhead Mountain Bike Park–25 miles: An exciting trail system on the grounds of the Minnesota Discovery Center. Built around a series of former mine pits, this challenging trail system has some beginner trails, but is mostly for intermediate to advanced riders. Punchy climbs and descents, plenty of rock gardens and jumps make for a great ride while the scenery is nothing short of spectacular with its ravines, red cliffs and views of deep, blue lakes. There’s even a waterfall crossing on Fractured Falls Trail. The ultimate goal is to expand the system to 30 miles and offer trolley rides to some of the far trail loops near the Glen location, a restored, historic mining village. The Discovery Center has restrooms, a bike shop and a restaurant. Groomed for fat bikes in the winter.

• Hibbing | Maple Hill Park–4 miles: Intermediate, two-way singletrack with a dirt surface in a 133-acre city park.

• Virginia

Big Aspen Trail–21 miles: The Big Aspen Trail in the Superior National Forest has many loop opportunities and beautiful scenic vistas. The trail is part of old logging roads and abandoned railroad grades from the Virginia and Rainy Lake Lumber Company. It is a multi-use trail, allowing mountain bikes, ATVs, horses, and in the winter, cross-country skiers. Lookout Mountain–11 miles: This trail system in the Superior National Forest has five miles of dedicated mountain bike singletrack with berms, bridges and rock gardens and six miles of rideable ski trails. Once you get to the top

of a large hill it’s mostly rolling hills through forestland. There are a few large rock features and some challenging intermediate skill level sections. The trails are two-way, look out for oncoming bikes and hikers. Groomed for fatbikes in the winter.

Side Lake | McCarthy Beach State Park–17 miles: A choice of nice rides is available on the park trails and the low maintenance St. Louis County roads inside the park boundary. Bikers can venture out of the park on the Taconite State Trail.

Tofte | Britton Peak Trails–5.5 miles: Trails are intermediate to advanced with a short beginner loop. Enjoy views of the Temperance River Valley and some advanced features like a rock garden and boardwalk. Access the Jackpot/ High Climber Trail System from the Britton Peak parking lot.

Tofte/Lutsen | Jackpot and High Climber Trails–16 miles: This unique ride follows the rolling ridges overlooking Lake Superior and features machine-built flow trail with big berms, rock gardens, drops, jumps and rock-armored creek crossings in a wilderness setting. It’s laid out to be beginner-rated, but technical b-line options are up to expert level. Parking is available on either end at Britton Peak Trailhead (Tofte) and Ski Hill Road Trailhead (Lutsen Mountains) as well as on Onion River Road.

Tower to International Falls | Arrowhead State Trail–135 miles: Approximately 69 miles of the trail are suitable for mountain biking in the summer, but there may be wet areas. Intersects with the Taconite State Trail. Mountain bikers should call the nearest Parks and Trails Area office before leaving for their destination to inquire about local trail conditions and amenities. This is a multi-use trail, including horseback riding.

Two Harbors Area

• Donald D. Ferguson Demonstration Forest–10 miles: Easy beginner trails through boreal woods in the Superior National Forest, shared with hikers. Trail system is set to expand, with the ultimate goal of 15-20 miles. Groomed for fatbikes in the winter, skis and snowshoes are also allowed.

• Split Rock Lighthouse State Park–3 miles: Easy trail with a mix of dirt and grass shared with hikers. No singletrack. Great views of the Split Rock Lighthouse along Lake Superior. Can be combined with a return on the paved Gitchi Gami Trail for a 6 mile loop. Snowshoers and fatbikers share a groomed 8-mile loop.

• Split Rock Wilds Trail–24 miles: The newest mountain bike trail system in northeastern Minnesota offers a challenging, point to point backcountry riding experience connecting the new Shipwreck Creek campground at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park with the Cove Point Lodge property. Trail conditions vary from rugged and rocky to fast and flowy and include multiple advanced and expert level features like jumps, rock rolls and drops. There is, however a beginner-friendly loop near the campground.

METRO AREA

Bethel | Bethel Haunted Forest Trails–7 miles: A series of interconnected loops in an 80-acre wooded area, one mile south of the town of Bethel. Rated easy to intermediate with advanced sections featuring hills, twists and log crossings. Trails are shared with hikers and are open for fatbiking and snowshoeing in the winter.

Bloomington | Minnesota River Trail–11 miles: Intermediate: Nicknamed Minnesota River Bottoms. Mostly singletrack winds through wooded area near river. Challenging trail that can be muddy after rain. Plenty of jumps and some obstacles. Fatbike here in the winter.

Burnsville Area

• Buck Hill–6 miles: Beginner to intermediate, includes two downhill flow trails. Skills Park featuring a bermed course with drops, rock garden, skinnies and a dragon tail.

• Terrace Oaks–2.3 miles: Intermediate: Mainly singletrack. A fairly technical trail with lots of climbs and amazing descents.

Cambridge | Springvale County Park–3 miles: Flowy singletrack trails with banked turns and beautiful rolling jumps weaving up and around a lake, traversing streams, swamps, forests and glacier moraine berms. These trails are fast and are great for beginner to intermediate riders. Constructed drops, teetertotters, rolling jumps, boardwalk sections and rock gardens keep the ride interesting. Trails can be accessed from both the north and south parking lots. There is a bike repair station along with a bathroom and drinking fountain in the south parking lot. Groomed for fatbikes in the winter.

Chaska | Hawk’s Ridge Mountain Bike Trail–4 miles: Hawk’s Ridge occupies a narrow sliver of land just east of Pioneer Ridge Middle School. It’s primarily an open, hilly, multi-use trail, handbuilt by volunteers of the Carver Trails group. Trails are beginner and intermediate levels with great views, challenging corners and verticals carved into the hillside. There is a green (easy) trail around the perimeter of the park, a short black (most difficult) trail as well. Note: Parking is available across the street at Pioneer Ridge Middle School during off-school hours only. Since there’s no parking on any of the residential streets around Hawk’s Ridge, riders need to park at nearby city parks and ride in during school hours.

Minnesota Mountain Bike Trails 2025

Cottage Grove | Cottage Grove Bike Park–This family-friendly bike park at 26-acre West Draw Park includes a 4x track, two pump tracks, and a complete dirt jump plaza.

Eagan | Lebanon Hills Regional Park–12 miles: This all skill level trail is a favorite for many. Good mixture of rolling hills and more technical singletrack. Woods provide secluded feel in suburban area. Groomed for fatbikes in the winter.

Edina | Braemar Park–8 miles: Braemar features a variety of trails. The east side is predominantly intermediate (blue), while the west side presents a combination of intermediate and easy (green) trails, interspersed with an expert (black) trail. The Northwest Blue Jumpline is notable for its series of jumps and ramps that allow riders to catch air with moderate speed. The Northwest Green offers a flowing loop at the base of the ridge, providing a gradual ascent through oak trees. The Blue Loop meanders through the forest, offering impressive views towards the east. The trail on the east side consists of a continuous, interconnected loop that navigates steep cambers and includes punchy step-ups. Riders can get significant air time on both sides of the trails, given sufficient speed. Less experienced riders can opt for the flowy trails nearby.

Inver Grove Heights | Salem Hills–4.4 miles: Gently rolling hills through woods and reclaimed prairie consisting of three loops: Harmon Park, Sawmill, Foul Pond Loop.

Lake Elmo Area

• Lake Elmo Park Reserve–14 miles: Beginner to intermediate: Beautiful park with a pleasant view of Eagle Point Lake. This is a multi-use trail, including horseback riding and features some hard-packed singletrack, some grassy trail. Fatbikes are allowed on Big Bluestem Trail in the winter.

• Reid Park Trails–1 mile: This beginner-friendly trail at 30-acre Reid Park is a work in progress.

• Sunfish Lake Park–6 miles: Three loops with distinct ratings of easy, intermediate and advanced skill levels. Features include a bridge, logs and switchbacks. Note that other trails exist in this park and biking is only allowed on the singletrack trails. Groomed for fatbikes in the winter.

Lakeville | West Lake Marion Trail–5 miles: Beginner to advanced: Hard-packed singletrack through woods and fields on the west side of Lake Marion near Casperson Park. Groomed for fatbikes in the winter.

Lindstrom | Ki-Chi-Saga County Park–3 miles: This beginner loop features a flow-style layout with optional intermediate-rated elements. Riders can enjoy diverse scenery, transitioning between wooded areas and open prairie. Its highlights, include rollers, berms, small jump lines, and an optional advanced route with wooden drops, for those seeking an extra challenge.

Lino Lakes | Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park–3.8 miles: Singletrack trails consist of two separate, one-way trail loops, one on the east side of the park (Sherman Lake Loop, 2.3 miles) and one on the west side (Rice Lake Loop, 1.5 miles), about two miles apart, connected by the paved Rice Creek North Regional Trail. Both are continuous loops with a single entry and exit point connected to an existing paved trail riders will use to access the loops. The two trails ride similarly with a flowy design, but a slightly different feel. Both are entry-level trails suitable for most riders. The trail loop on the west side features a few challenging climbs combined with fun, flowy segments. The east side loop features a few jump opportunities with a couple of downhill segments that should add a little thrill for gravity trail fans.

Monarch Singletrack Trail, Victoria, MN | Three Rivers Parks District photo

Minnesota Mountain Bike Trails 2025

Maple Grove | Elm Creek Park Preserve–12.7 miles: Interconnected singletrack loop trails. Built to accommodate all skill levels of riders, but mostly intermediate with short sections of easy and advanced trails. Groomed for fatbikes in the winter.

Minneapolis | Theodore Wirth Park–12 miles: Intermediate to advanced singletrack has twists and turns with many technical features. A great trail system consisting of several separate loops, just minutes from downtown Minneapolis. Groomed for fatbikes in the winter.

Minnetonka | Lone Lake Park–5 miles: This trail system is designed to accommodate a variety of mountain biking skill levels. It offers ample challenges, from the steep topography to the fast, flowy single-track. The trail is also open to hiking and trail running in dry months, as well as snowshoeing and fatbiking in the winter. Two trailheads provide users easy access from Rowland Road, in the park’s southwest section, or Shady Oak Road in the east.

Monticello Area

• Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park–14.25 miles: This trail offers many options for all skills levels including a fast singletrack, switchbacks and a meandering doubletrack. Be ready to deal with logs, roots, and wooden bridges. Groomed for fatbikes in the winter.

• Montiview Mountain Bike Challenge Course–2.75 miles: As the name implies, this trail demands good bike handling skills to negotiate. A very tight and twisty singletrack route with many short, steep hills runs through the woods and some open spots with great views of the surrounding area. Jumps, bridges, teeters, rock gardens, boulder piles and other features keep

the ride interesting. The park also features a sculpture by a local artist and a bike repair station. Montiview Park is a work in progress, look for more trails to be developed here in the future. Parking and a restroom are available near the trailhead located at the top of Holy Spirit Trail, and the park can also be accessed from the off-road paved path off Jason Ave. Groomed for fatbikes in the winter.

Oak Park Heights| Valley View Trails–3.2 miles: Intermediate singletrack with some beginner and advanced sections. Features include a bridge, boardwalk, rock garden and switchbacks. Trails are one way with an estimated 400’ elevation change.

Rockford | Lake Rebecca Park Reserve–13.25 miles: Easy to advanced singletrack loops through wooded landscape with wetlands. Start at the Hilltop picnic area. Groomed for fatbikes in the winter.

Saint Paul Area

• Battle Creek Regional Park-West–10 miles: Intermediate to advanced. Battle Creek features a wide selection of trails within its boundaries, including 3.3 miles of multi-use trails and 4.5 miles of singletrack. Thickly wooded, some limited visibility on turns.

• Fort Snelling State Park–10 miles: Beginner: Enjoyable ride along the Dakota County side of the river. Generally flat trail, but scenic. Starts as a wide doubletrack, then narrows to singletrack. Trails are multi-use and include fatbiking in the winter.

Savage | Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve–10 miles: This trail features glacial ridges, hilly terrain and an extensive, lush forest. This is a

challenging trail and a favorite for mountain bikers. Groomed for fatbikes in the winter.

Shakopee | Excel Energy Mountain Bike Park–4 miles: Loop trails circling Quarry Lake are rated beginner to intermediate. The singletrack course weaves between the tree cover and a larger prairie area, taking advantage of natural and constructed topography. This trail was designed and built to be ridden in any kind of weather, so it doesn’t close when it’s wet. One special feature is the so-called chicken foot, a fallen oak tree that’s been cut flat for riders to balance on as they ride across it. The park also has a pumptrack.

Waconia | Monarch Singletrack–14 miles: This trails system at Carver Park Reserve is made up of five connected loops that accommodate all experience levels. Easy Rider features wider tread and few sharp turns and climbs, making it ideal for hand cyclists and beginners. The Raptor Ridge loop has flowy trails and a highlight of the entire singletrack: A vista overlooking Parley Lake followed by berms and a roller descent. Paradise Trail has the longest climb of the system and an expert feature area with a concrete rollout, jumps, a slalom section and a shorter, technical climb. It offers bypasses for the difficult features, to accommodate intermediate level riders. Groomed for fatbikes in the winter.

Woodbury | Carver Lake Park–4 miles: Series of interconnected loops and switchbacks on the south side of Carver Lake. Groomed for fatbikes in the winter.

CENTRAL MN 2025 Minnesota Mountain Bike Trails

THERE’S GREAT MOUNTAIN BIKING IN THE HEART OF MINNESOTA. FROM THE PURPOSE-BUILT RED DIRT FLOW TRAILS OF THE CUYUNA LAKES, TO THE GRANITE OUTCROPPINGS OF QUARRY PARK IN ST. CLOUD, THE CENTER OF THE STATE HAS A GREAT VARIETY OF TRAILS TO EXPLORE. Great solitude and backcountry riding. Groomed only for skiing in the winter.

Alexandria | Lake Brophy County Park–6.5 miles: Beginner to expert gravity flow trail singletrack with 200’ elevation change. The top overlooks the entire park and the city of Alexandria and has a prairie landscape. Dock jumps, drops and a rock garden can be found on the more technical, expert sections on the west side of the trail system. The eastern part is more of a cross-country ride with long straightaways and sweeping turns. There are bathrooms, beach access and a playground. The paved Central Lakes Trail skirts the park and provides access by bike.

Cuyuna, Crosby, Ironton | Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area –About 70 miles: An IMBA Silver Level Ride Center. Clearly marked, one-way singletrack trails from easy beginner to hardcore expert with stunning views from the top of overburden piles left from the area’s mining days. Deep mine lakes offer refreshment after a hard ride and invite you to dive in or take the kayak out for a paddle. Many trails are groomed for fat tire biking in the winter, including the paved Cuyuna State Trail, which runs through the heart of the system and connects many of the mountain bike trail clusters. The town of Cuyuna also has a pump track.

Elk River | Hillside Park–6 miles: Easy to expert flow trails in an 80-acre oak forest. These flow trails accommodate a variety of users. Groomed for fatbikes in the winter.

Fergus Falls | Ferber Park–2.2 miles: A mix of rolling hills and flat terrain in wooded and grassy areas with less difficult to more challenging trails. Trails were developed by volunteers with help from the city of Fergus Falls and continue

to be improved. Look for additional trails in the future.

Glenwood | Barsness Park– 10 miles: Beginner to intermediate singletrack with two challenging climbs to panoramic views of Lake Minnewaska near downtown Glenwood. This system packs in a lot of rollers, berms and fun, flowy sections including some rock obstacles.

Hutchinson | Stahl’s Lake County Park–4 miles: Moderate terrain with some small hills, a balance beam and seesaw.

Kensington | Kensington Rune Stone Park–7.5 miles: Beginner to intermediate, dedicated singletrack. The park has a visitor center with bathrooms. Groomed for fatbikes in the winter.

McGregor | Savanna Portage State Park–10 miles: Mixture of grass and dirt doubletrack. The trail offers varied topography in its several loops with a challenging climb up the Continental Divide with an awesome view as a reward.

Milaca | Milaca City Trails–12 miles: Located near the Rum River, this singletrack offers a variety of trail options for riders of all skill levels. Most of the trails are singletrack and go through a mix of woods, hills and fields. Trails are groomed for skiing and fatbiking in the winter.

Pillager | Pillsbury State Forest–27 miles: A combination of gravel logging roads, grass and dirt. The trail winds and twists through forest and past lakes with rolling terrain. All trails are multi-use, some include horseback riding.

Pine River | Cut Lake Trail–10 miles: Wide, grassy trails through the forest around Deer and Cut Lakes, ranging from beginner to intermediate.

Saint Cloud Area

• Jail Trail–7.5 miles: Beginner to intermediate with advanced options. Singletrack trail runs through dense woods with sections along the fence of the Minnesota Correctional Facility. Groomed for fatbikes in the winter.

• River Bluffs Regional Park–3 miles: Beginner singletrack loop near the Mississippi River. Groomed for fatbikes in the winter.

Sartell | Sauk River Regional Park-2 miles: A great beginner trail for a quick round or running laps in a 46-acre park on the Sauk River. One technical line runs along a berm. Rock gardens in the woods add to the fun. Skills area at the trail head lets beginners practice bike handling skills.

Spicer | Prairie Woods ELC–4 miles: Easy singletrack trails at the Environmental Learning Center starts at the parking lot and winds through a mix of open prairie and deciduous woods.

Wadena | Black’s Grove–8 miles: Beginner to advanced scenic trails that wind through a wooded setting and along Oak Creek. Groomed for skis and fatbikes in the winter.

Waite Park | Quarry Park–2.2 miles: Intermediate: Doubletrack with a mixture of gravel, dirt and grass around some granite outcroppings. Runs through a heavily wooded area with a few fairly technical sections where you bike over billion-year old bedrock. This park has separate trails for walking, skiing and fatbiking in the winter.

EXPERIENCE

NORTHWEST MN 2025

Minnesota Mountain Bike Trails

MANY OF THE MOST POPULAR MOUNTAIN BIKE DESTINATIONS IN NORTHWESTERN MINNESOTA CAN BE FOUND IN STATE PARKS AND FORESTS. THIS AREA OFFERS MORE TWISTS AND TURNS AND A GREATER CHANCE TO COME ACROSS WILDLIFE WHILE ROLLING DOWN A HILL OR ALONG A HARD-PACKED SINGLETRACK.

Bemidji Area

• Lake Bemidji State Park–5 miles: Beginner to advanced: Park has much to offer with dirt and packed grass trails. System is well maintained. Forested terrain has some challenging sections.

• Movil Maze–8 miles: This system lives up to its name, so bring a compass and use the map of the area. There are several spurs that branch off this trail. The trail is a combination of grassy sections and dirt singletrack with ramps. Parts of the system are groomed for fatbiking in the winter.

Callaway | Maplelag–23 miles: Mixture of challenging singletrack and grassy doubletrack. Easy to expert. About 25km are groomed for fatbiking in the winter.

Detroit Lakes Area

• Detroit Mountain–10 miles: This trail system has trails from beginner to expert. Ride contour flow trails, or take the lift up to the top and zip down the downhill flow trails, or ride the skills park. Lodge with bathrooms, bar, and concessions is a must-see. Connecting trail takes you to Mountain View Rec Area. Groomed fatbike trails are available in the winter.

• Dunton Locks County Park–3 miles: Trail loops along the shores between Lake Sallie and Muskrat Lake. Some wind through hardwood forested hills. Trails are shared with hikers and are groomed for skiing in the winter.

• Mountain View Recreation Area–3.1 miles: Singletrack loops through mature, mixed hardwood forest. Trails are laid out to be challenging. Connecting trail takes you to Detroit Mountain.

Lake Bronson | Lake Bronson State Park–5 miles: Good variety of easy trails and loops to allow for different choices. The trails go through forest and prairie and are a mixture of grass and gravel.

Fargo/Moorhead Area

• Gooseberry Park–3.5 miles: Flat and wide singletrack loops on the banks of the Red River of the North. Connects to a short skills building trail with bridges and rock gardens in Horn Park. Beginner-friendly, because obstacles have ridearound options. Groomed for fatbikes in the winter.

• M.B. Johnson Park–5 miles: Singletrack loops along the banks of the Red River of the North with some obstacles. Trailhead has bathrooms, water and a shelter. Groomed for fatbikes in the winter.

• Iwen Park (Fargo)–7 miles: Beginner-friendly trail consisting of a north and south section. Not groomed for fatbikes, but usually well-traveled by snowshoers.

Roseau Area

• Hayes Lake State Park–5 miles: Beginner trail on grassy, level terrain in a wooded area. Trails start at Hayes Dam.

• Mount Roseau–6 miles: Twisting trails on rolling hills in an open, grassy area, rated beginner to intermediate. Lots of switchbacks on this 60-foot artificial hill keep you on your toes.

Ulen to Crookston | Agassiz Recreational Trail–53 miles: This abandoned railroad grade is a designated multiple use trail shared by pedestrians, cyclists, equestrians and ATV riders. It passes through Ulen, Twin Valley, Gary, Fertile and Crookston and offers scenic views of the Sand Hill and Wild Rice Rivers and Minnesota farmland.

Photo Credit: Explore MN

SOUTHERN MN 2025

Minnesota Mountain Bike Trails

STUNNING BLUFF COUNTRY, MEANDERING RIVERS AND OPEN PRAIRIES GIVE SOUTHERN MINNESOTA A WIDE VARIETY OF NATURAL TERRAIN FOR MOUNTAIN BIKERS TO ENJOY. GO SOUTH AND FIND OUT WHAT TRAILS ARE WAITING FOR YOU.

Albert Lea | Myre Big Island State Park–7 miles: Intermediate: Well-marked trails shared with hikers through forested hills and by Albert Lea Lake. Lots of trails to choose from, but limited access when wet.

Austin | Schindler’s Way–5 miles: This flat and fast singletrack system flows through forest and prairie and sweeps along the Cedar River near the Hormel Foods campus and Todd Park. A great beginner trail that’s groomed for fatbikes in the winter.

Faribault Area

• Caron Park–2 miles: Beginner and intermediate singletrack loops with a dirt surface through a completely wooded area. Runs by Prairie Creek and features a natural waterfall. One interesting feature is a large erratic boulder on the intermediate loop. Trails are bi-directional.

• River Bend Nature Center–10 miles: Multi-use, dirt and grass trail is shared with hikers and travels through hardwoods along the Straight River with scenic bluff views. Fatbikes are allowed in the winter, but must stay off groomed ski trails.

• Shattuck-St. Mary’s Trail–5 miles: The trails at Shattuck-St. Mary’s are built into the side of the riverbank above the Straight River in Faribault. Hand built, old school singletrack traverses up one ravine and down the next. Although the trails aren’t rated as expert, fitness and skills for riding switchbacks are key as you make your way up and down the many ravines. The trail is an out and back with a loop at both ends. Ridden as an out and back there is about 5 miles of trail.

Schindler’s Way, Austin, MN | Jan Lasar photo.

Henderson | Ney Nature Center Trail–1.5 miles: Two single-direction trails: Trail one is rated intermediate and trail two is rated difficult with berms, drops and a rock garden. Trail access is not on Ney Nature Center property, but just north of the intersection of Henderson Station Road and County Road 19.

Jackson | Belmont County Park–5.3 miles: Beginner to advanced natural surface singletrack under the mature canopies of oak, walnut and ash trees with a beautiful view of the Des Moines River. Bobsled-style flow trails on intermediate and advanced portions of the trails system have plenty of switchbacks, berms and jumps as they drop 120 feet into the river valley. The one-mile beginner trail

near the parking lot is balance-bike friendly. Other amenities are an enclosed log shelter house with fireplace, picnic tables, outdoor grills, bonfire area, hand pump for water and an enclosed pit bathroom.

Lanesboro | Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center–3 miles: This flow trail travels through the 250-acre campus of Eagle Bluff and rolls through mixed hardwood forest with views of the Root River in the valley below.

Lynd | Camden State Park–4.25 miles: Beginner to advanced: Mixture of fire roads and singletrack rolls through hardwood forests and prairie with a 1-mile section of rake-and-ride trail on top of the river valley.

Minnesota Mountain Bike Trails

Mankato Area

• Kiwanis Mountain Bike Trail–6 miles: Two single-direction loops on the Minnesota River. The short beginner loop consists of rolling, berm filled singletrack in the river bottom land with no obstacles or challenging climbs for the novice rider. More advanced features and options like log piles, jumps and drops can be found on b-lines with ride-arounds on the intermediate loop. A kids’ loop and skill park are accessible from the trailhead. Groomed for fatbiking in the winter.

• Mount Kato–7 miles: Mount Kato has roughly seven miles of cross-country singletrack winding through the wooded hills of their ski area for novice to expert riders. Riders who like a challenge will enjoy the climbs and descents.

• Seven Mile Creek–8 miles: Seven Mile Creek’s multi-use bi-directional trails feature little technical challenge but some climbs and descents are steep and very challenging. The area transitions from the Minnesota River to grasslands in the valley, to deciduous forests on either side and up the bluffs of the creek.

Northfield Area

• Heath Creek Trail–1 mile: Across County Road 78 from the Sechler Park Trails you’ll find a short, more technical trail with a rock garden along Heath Creek. Great views in a densely wooded area.

• Sechler Park–1.75 miles: Trail is designed to introduce beginners to mountain biking and runs along the woods on the shore of the Cannon River. Part of this system is a skills park with berms, jumps, drops, log piles, a teetertotter and more. Connects to Heath Creek Trail across County Road 78.

Owatonna | Kaplan’s Woods–5 miles: Moderately difficult singletrack through hardwood forest in a 225-acre park. Some log jumps add challenges. The Owatonna Trails Association maintains five miles of mountain bike trail and grooms for fatbikes in the winter.

Red Wing | Memorial Park Trails–12 miles: This beginner to advanced trail has many options: long climbs, challenging obstacles, outstanding views, twisting singletrack. Select a ride that matches your skills and enjoy the view off Sorin’s Bluff. 7.5 miles of this system is dedicated singletrack; the rest is shared with hikers.

Rochester Area

• Eastwood Park–7 miles: Three easy and two intermediate trails by Eastwood Golf Course. Trail is mostly wooded with many tight twists and turns along the Zumbro River.

• Gamehaven Trails–12 miles: Five easy and two intermediate singletrack loops with scenic overlooks on Gamehaven Lake. Groomed for fatbikes in the winter.

• Northern Heights Park–1.4 miles: Easy, multiuse singletrack. Constructed in 2024 and newly opened for 2025, Northern Heights Park is a small, closed loop, multi-use trail in Northeast Rochester, open to mountain biking and hiking. Enjoy this professionally designed trail through the southern portion of these 65-acre woods and you’ll forget you’re in the middle of a city. Despite the steep surroundings, and thanks to three constructed bridges, the trail only demands 95 feet of elevation gain for one lap, so it is perfect for beginners and casual users.

St. Peter | Traverse des Sioux Park–11 miles: This system consists of rolling and winding trail through the Minnesota River bottoms weaving through the trees and over the undulating flood plain. The trails are bidirectional with trail difficulty rated easy and beginner friendly. These trails have some of the area’s best views of the Minnesota River.

Winona | Bluffside Park–15 miles: Easy to difficult singletrack. From a short, blufftop beginner loop to steep, twisty expert lines, this growing system is just minutes from downtown and offers views of the Mississippi River. Some trails are groomed for fatbikes. The Bluffs Traverse Recreation and Conservation Area project links Bluffside, Garvin Heights and Sugar Loaf parks in an ambitious effort to expand the Winona mountain bike trail system in the future. A bike skills course and tot track are also part of this system.

Mount Kato, Mankato, MN Jan Lasar photo

Bike Rides & Tours 2025

Fat And Happy–Spring Thaw

Fatbike | Hugo, MN

April 19, 2025

www.mntrails.com/event/fat-and-happyspring-thaw

Earth Day Gravel Grinder

Gravel | Northfield, MN

April 26, 2025

www.mntrails.com/event/earth-day-gravelgrinder

BIRDS AND BISON BIKE TOUR

Trail | Hastings, MN and Prescott, WI

May 3, 2025

Enjoy spectacular river views along the Mississippi River Greenway Trail, birds from Carpenter Nature Center, and a bison interpretive stop at Spring Lake Park. The ride, interpretive bison stop and the ambassadors are free with registration. www.visithastingsmn.org/bike-tours

Fulton Gran Fondo

Road | Minneapolis, MN

May 3, 2025

www.mntrails.com/event/fulton-gran-fondo

Granny’s Gravel Grinder

Gravel | Princeton, MN

May 3, 2025

www.mntrails.com/event/grannys-gravelgrinder

BIKE MS: TWIN CITIES RIDE

Road | Saint Paul, MN

May 10, 2025

Bike MS: Twin Cities Ride is a one-day event that brings together cyclists, volunteers, and the general public to have fun and raise funds towards the mission of a world free of MS. events.nationalmssociety.org

LAKE ALICE 100

Road | Fergus Falls, MN

May 10, 2025

No, you don’t have to ride 100 miles, but if you do, 87 laps around the lake will get you there. It’s always held the Saturday before Mother’s Day and always free. www.bikemn.org/all-events/lake-alice-100

The Heywood Gravel | Northfield, MN

May 15-17, 2025

www.mntrails.com/event/the-heywood

ORANGE CITY TULIP FESTIVAL TOUR DE TULIPS

Road | Orange City, IA

May 17, 2025

This supported ride is only part of the fun of Orange City’s Dutch heritage celebration. Off the bike, take part in the festivities for an unforgettable experience. Tulip Festival is nationally recognized with an estimated 100,000 visitors joining the event each year. You’ll find yourself immersed in Orange City’s thriving Dutch heritage, making for an unforgettable experience. Distances: 20 or 33 miles www.bit.ly/467vjOL

Lake Pepin 3-Speed Tour

Road | Red Wing, MN

May 17-18, 2025

www.mntrails.com/event/lake-pepin-3speed-tour

Le Grand Du Nord

Gravel | Grand Marais, MN

May 24, 2025

www.mntrails.com/event/le-grand-du-nord

MED CITY MEANDER

Trail | Rochester, MN

May 24, 2025

Join the team behind BikeMN’s Chapter, We Bike Rochester, to celebrate the great trail network that meanders around Minnesota’s third largest city. www.bikemn.org/all-events/med-citymeander

Minnesota Tour de Cure

Road | Minneapolis, MN

May 31, 2025

mntrails.com/event/minnesota-tour-de-cure

LUVERNE LOOP TOUR

Trail | Luverne, MN

June 5, 2025

Enjoy a leisurely spring loop around Luverne on the 7.4-mile trail, register for prize drawings and gather for a treat! Stick around for the weekend and celebrate Luverne’s annual Buffalo Days with car show, parade, craft show and many other family-friendly activities. www.luvernechamber.com

Tour of Lakes

Road | Brainerd, MN

June 7, 2025

www.mntrails.com/event/tour-of-lakes

BIKE MS: MS 150

Road/Trail | White Bear Lake, Proctor, Hinckley, MN

June 7-8, 2025

Start biking from Proctor on the Willard Munger State Trail. Enjoy the northern hardwood forests, lakes, and bogs on your ride to Hinckley, and stay overnight before riding on to White Bear Lake for the grand finish. events.nationalmssociety.org

KKD Gravel

Gravel/Farmington, MN

June 7, 2025

www.mntrails.com/event/kkd-gravel

TOUR DE PEPIN

Road | Lake City, MN

June 7, 2025

Tour de Pepin is one of the Midwest’s most unique cycling tours where riders have several options to ride through the captivating terrain and historic towns around Lake Pepin. Distances: 32, 44, 50, 72, 100 miles. www.lakecity.org/tour-de-pepin

THE TOUR OF MINNESOTA

Road/Trail | Grand Rapids, Chisholm, Ely, MN

June 14-20, 2025.

The format will change slightly in 2025. Rather than moving to a new town each day, riders will spend two days each in Grand Rapids, Chisholm, and Ely, and ride loops. www.tourofminnesota.com

SHOOTING STAR TRAIL RIDE

Trail | Adams, MN

June 14, 2025

Back for 2025, this family favorite ride takes you through the prairies of southern Minnesota on the Shooting Star Trail. www.shootingstartrail.org

MICKELSON SUMMER

TRAIL TREK

Trail/Gravel | Custer, SD

June 20-22, 2025

Enjoy the beauty of the heart of the Black Hills as you travel through the scenic valleys, old railroad tunnels and historic mining towns on the 119-mile Mickelson Trail. It’s a great way to explore the Black Hills at a slower pace. Registration includes trail pass, shuttle, refreshments and meals.

https://gfp.sd.gov/parks/detail/george-s-mickelson-trail/

LOOP THE LAKE RIDE

Trail | Bemidji, MN

June 21, 2025

Take a bike cruise around Lake Bemidji with the whole family and experience the first city on the Mississippi from the seat of your bike. There’ll be lots of familyfriendly activities. www.bikebemidji.com

Bike Rides & Tours 2025

THE SPRING BIKE FLING

Trail | Walker, MN

June 21, 2025

Take a ride on the Paul Bunyan Trail from Walker to Hackensack and experience the beauty of the Chippewa National Forest in Paul Bunyan’s back yard. Your ride options are plentiful: A 24 or 48-mile out and back or a 36-mile loop ride. Included in the registration are a t-shirt and a bag full of awesome swag. www.leech-lake.com/spring-bike-fling

Lutsen 99er

Mountain Bike | Lutsen, MN

June 28, 2025

www.mntrails.com/event/lutsen-99er

Freedhem 76

Gravel | Freedhem, MN

July 6, 2025

www.mntrails.com/event/freedhem-76

Bike.Build.Home 500

Road/Trail | Saint Joseph, MN

July 8-13, 2025

www.mntrails.com/event/bike-build-home

RIDE ACROSS WISCONSIN

Road | Eau Claire, WI

July 12, 2025

In its 10th year, Ride Across Wisconsin will make a one day loop around Eau Claire, WI, with another scenic and challenging ride.

www. wisconsinbikefed.org/ride-acrosswisconsin-raw

Bike Duluth Festival

Mountain Bike | Duluth, MN

July 18-20, 2025

www.mntrails.com/even/bike-duluth-festival

Tour de SAVE

Road | Northfield, MN

June 14, 2025

in

July 19, 2025

www.mntrails.com/event/tour-de-save

TOUR OF SAINTS

Road/Trail | Saint Joseph, MN

July 20, 2025

It’s not a race. It’s a heavenly little ride. From cities across Minnesota and neighboring states, each year 1,000 or more cyclists gather in St. Joseph to wind their way along quiet byways and rolling hills of central Minnesota. Distances: 18, 35, 50 miles.

www.bikemn.org/all-events/tour-of-saints

BIKE MS: RIDE ACROSS MINNESOTA 2025

Road | Marshall, MN

July 21-25, 2025

The 5-day experience you know and love is back! Start in Marshall, MN, and cycle to Granite Falls and Willmar, before returning to Marshall. Cycle through these beautiful cities and join a community of riders dedicated to changing the world for people with MS. events.nationalmssociety.org

The Fox

Gravel | Finland, MN

July 26-27, 2025

www.mntrails.com/event/the-fox

SCENIC SHORE BIKE TOUR

Road | Mequon, WI

July 26-27, 2025

The Scenic Shore Bike Tour is a two-day, 150-mile, fully supported cycling event that is open to riders of all ages and abilities. The beautiful shoreline of Lake Michigan is the picturesque setting for a weekend of biking with 1,500 cycling enthusiasts. Pedal 25, 75 or 150-miles in support of a cure for blood cancer.

www.scenicshore150.org

TOUR DE BUN BICYCLE CLASSIC

Road | Montgomery, MN

July 26, 2025

Ride your bike in the heart of Minnesota Czech Country in scenic Le Sueur County. Each route will have refreshment stops at various points and will provide scenic rural countryside on paved, lightly traveled roads.

www.montgomerymn.org/tour-de-bun-bikeclassic

CANDAK

Road | Pembina, ND

August 2-9, 2025

This ride carries on the tradition of the CANDISK ride of North Dakota with daily routes ranging from 35 to 70 miles and a century option. This is a multi-day tour through North Dakota with terrain varying from flat fields to steep hills. www.candak.net

The Day Across MN (DAMN)

Gravel | Gary, SD

August 2, 2025

www.mntrails.com/event/the-day-acrossminnesota-damn

GREAT RIVER ENERGY

MESABI TRAIL TOUR

Trail | Between Grand Rapids and Nashwauk, MN

August 2, 2025

While you pedal fully supported along one of Minnesota’s premiere paved bicycle trails you will encounter historic and scenic points of interest, enjoy food and music at rest stops. www.mesabitrail.com/events-and-tours/ annual tour

TOUR DE TONKA

Road | Minnetonka, MN

August 2, 2025

Tour de Tonka is a scenic bike ride through the Lake Minnetonka area and its surrounding communities. With so many different route options, there’s a ride for everyone. www.tourdetonka.org

River Towns Road and Trail Tour

Road/Trail | Hastings, MN

August 3-8, 2025

www.mntrails.com/event/river-towns-roadand-trail-tour

Apple Blossom Bike Tour

Road | La Crescent, MN

August 9, 2025

www.mntrails.com/event/apple-blossombike-tour

Hollo Gravel Classic

Gravel | Battle Lake, MN

August 9, 2025

www.mntrails.com/event/hollo-gravel-classic

Iron Trail Road and Trail Tour

Road/Trail | Duluth, MN

August 9-15, 2025

www.mntrails.com/event/iron-trail-roadand-trail-tour

BRIDGE THE VALLEY BIKE RALLY

Road/Gravel | Stillwater, MN

August 10, 2025

Join the Stillwater Sunrise Rotary Club on an epic trip through the hills and valleys around Stillwater, MN. Part of the Rivers, Lakes, Fields Ride Series, including Northfield Rotary Bike Tour. Ride both for extra swag and prize drawings. www.bridgethevalley.org

GITCHI-GAMI TRAIL RIDE

Trail | Gooseberry Falls State Park, MN

August 16, 2025

Enjoy a supported, recreational ride on the Gitchi-Gami State Trail along Lake Superior’s scenic North Shore. You’ll get up close and personal with some superior views, be serenaded by waterfalls and wind through multiple state parks. 2025 marks the 25th anniversary! www.ggta.org/ride.php

Bike Rides & Tours 2025

ROCK-N-ROLL THE LAKES

Road | Albert Lea, MN

August 16, 2025

Albert Lea knows how to rock! Riders can choose from one of three different routes—10, 30, or 50 miles—of SAGsupported, “rolling” fun around Albert Lea. All three courses hug picturesque lake shores and offer a variety of beautiful southern Minnesota scenery.

www.bikemn.org/all-events/rock-and-rollthe-lakes

Grit & Gratitude

Gravel/Road | Two Harbors, MN

August 17, 2025

www.mntrails.com/event/grit-and-gratitude

Bicycling Around Minnesota (BAM)

Road/Trail | Location TBD

August 21-24, 2025

www.mntrails.com/event/bicycling-aroundminnesota-bam

Ride to End Alz

Road | Stillwater, MN

August 24, 2025

www.mntrails.com/event/ride-to-end-alz

Gray Duck Grit

Gravel | Cannon Falls, MN

August 30-31, 2025

www.mntrails.com/event/gray-duck-grit

NORTHFIELD ROTARY BIKE TOUR

Road/Gravel | Northfield, MN

September 6, 2025

There’s a route for everyone: Road, gravel or family. Part of the Rivers, Lakes, Fields Ride Series, including Bridge the Valley Bike Rally. Ride both for extra swag and prize drawings.

www.northfieldrotary.org/page/northfieldrotary-bike-tour

RIDEMN1

Road | Karlstad, MN

September 7-13, 2025

RideMN1 holds an annual bicycle ride across Minnesota to raise awareness about cancer. This time they visit Karlstad, Warroad, Baudette, Littlefork, Orr, Side Lake, Hoyt Lakes and Silver Bay. There’s optional pre-ride camping and a dinner the day before.

www.ridemn1.org

The Gunflint Scramble!

Mountain Bike | Grand Marais, MN

September 7, 2025

www.mntrails.com/event/the-gunflintscramble

SAINT PAUL CLASSIC BIKE TOUR

Trail/Road | Saint Paul, MN

September 7, 2025

As always, Classic riders enjoy the scenic and historic Grand Round in Saint Paul. Two scenic routes take you to six regional parks and three rest stops, where riders enjoy live music, excellent treats and waterfront views.

www.bikeclassic.org

North Star Bicycle Race

Road | Saint Paul, MN to US-Canada border

September 10, 2025

www.mntrails.com/event/north-star-bicyclerace

Old Fashioned Gravel

Gravel | Hokah, MN

September 13, 2025

www.mntrails.com/event/old-fashionedgravel

TWIN CITIES BIKE TOUR

Road/Trail | Minneapolis, MN

September 14, 2025

This ride is destined to be a celebration of the trails and communities that fuel thriving bicycling culture.

www.bikemn.org/all-events/twin-cities-biketour

Tomassoni Tour

Trail | Tower, MN

September 18-20, 2025

www.mntrails.com/event/tomassoni-tour

MICKELSON TRAIL TREK

Trail/Gravel | Custer, SD

September 19-21, 2025

Enjoy the beauty of the heart of the Black Hills as you travel through the scenic valleys, old railroad tunnels and historic mining towns on the 119-mile Mickelson Trail. It’s a great way to explore the Black Hills at a slower pace. Registration includes trail pass, shuttle, refreshments and meals.

https://gfp.sd.gov/parks/detail/george-s-mickelson-trail/

MORA BIKE TOUR

Road | Mora, MN

September 20, 2025

The annual Mora Bike Tour starts and finishes at the Vasaloppet Nordic Center and offers two routes on rural country roads. Rest stops keep riders hydrated and a mobile repair van lends assistance if needed.

http://www.vasaloppet.us/mora-bike-tour

RIDE THE RIDGES

Road | Winona, MN

September 20, 2025

Ride the Ridges will take riders through some of the most scenic areas in southeastern Minnesota, from lush valleys along streams to bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River. All routes have well-stocked rest stops featuring local delicacies. Distances: 22, 44, 70, 110 miles

www.ridetheridges.bike

ROSEWOOD GRAMBLE

Road, Gravel | Thief River Falls, MN

September 20, 2025

Join Bike Thief River Falls on this ramble on gravel (Gramble) and see rural Pennington and Marshall Counties. You’ll ride the former beach ridges of Glacial Lake Agassiz, minimum maintenance roads and a bit of trail.

www.bikemn.org/all-events/rosewoodgramble

northfieldrotary.org/page/ northfield-rotary-bike-tour

Tour of Lakeville

Road, Trail | Lakeville, MN

September 20, 2025

www.mntrails.com/event/tour-of-lakeville

Headwaters 100

Road | Park Rapids, MN

September 27, 2025 www.mntrails.com/event/headwaters-100

KATO BIKE FALL FEST

Road/Trail | Mankato, MN

September 27-28, 2025

The new Kato Bike Fall Fest is a weekendlong celebration to show off the depth of the amazing bike culture of the greater Mankato area. Expect the best routes, treats, and fun in the serenity of a southern Minnesota autumn. www.bikemn.org/all-events/kato-bike-fallfest

WHEELIN’ TO WALL

Road/Gravel | Wall, SD

September 27-28, 2025

Experience the magic of Badlands National Park and its striking rock formations on this two-day cycling celebration. Road and gravel routes are available on this supported ride and a Pedal Parade of Lights and a poker run are part of the fun. www.wheelintowall.com

Gravel | Clearwater, MN September 27, 2025

This central Minnesota fall ride on the backroads around Clearwater honors the memory of the late John Egbers. In the spirit of gravel riding, it’s free and unsupported.

Visit the ride’s Facebook page for more details.

of the North Gravel | Two Harbors, MN October 4, 2025

www.mntrails.com/event/heck-of-the-north

Filthy

Gravel | Lanesboro, MN October 11, 2025 www.mntrails.com/event/filthy-50

As of deadline, the information in this calendar was accurate. Check www.MnTrails.com/events for additional information.

HIGH FALLS

GRAND PORTAGE STATE PARK, GRAND PORTAGE, MN

Native Americans and intrepid voyageurs learned early on to respect the violently beautiful High Falls, tracing the eight-mile Grand Portage around it hauling goods and huge canoes. This 120-foot waterfall is a grand testament, indeed, to Minnesota’s resplendent North Country.

The Ojibwe named the Grand Portage Git-che O niga-ming, “the great carrying place.” This 9-mile overland route served as a link between Lake Superior, the Pigeon River, and beyond to interior lands. The land route was not their first choice, but the river made it clear that there really wasn’t a choice. An easy, half-mile path leads from the park office to a 700-foot boardwalk, which heads gradually uphill to two prominent overlooks of High Falls. And what a sight it is. The river crashes over the edge in riotous thunder, falling onto a ledge below and again down to a deep pool. When the river is running high, it plunges into the black gorge in a 3,200-gallon-per-second deluge.

BRAYDEN MILLS PHOTO

STORY BY STEVE JOHNSON

Minnesota rightly stakes claim to lots of water within its borders. Its lakes, of course, are the stuff of lore and legend, but there are also close to 7,000 rivers, and rivers mean moving water, often appearing in various forms of falling. Our state is home to several hundred waterfalls, some small and quiet, others big and noisy. Lots of them allow easy access from roadside trailheads or an easygoing hike. Some waterfalls might require treks of a mile or three, and others are remote and mysterious, discovered only by canoeing and portaging through northern wilderness.

No matter their approach, Minnesota’s waterfalls all have something special to offer; a style and grace all their own—restless or violent with spring rains, busily darting around boulders and fallen logs, or whispery elegant veils. One of the best things about “waterfalling” is that you don’t need complicated gear to get started. Just throw on decent footwear, proper clothing, and away you go. Plan ahead, though, to make each visit a good one. Expect weather common to the area, and pack accordingly. Don’t forget a camera or other device to capture the sights and sounds. Keep in mind that water levels and seasons have a big impact on waterfalls’ appearance and approachability—a lazy cascade in autumn could be a raging torrent in spring.

MINNEOPA FALLS

MINNEOPA STATE PARK

Among a landscape of oak savanna, hardwood forest, grassland, and river floodplain, Minneopa State Park offers a variety of attractions to complement the scenic falls, including a vibrant wildlife population, hiking trails, and resident bison herd.

The Dakota made their home in the area of the present-day park, and Minneopa in their language means “water falling twice.” Score views of the upper and lower falls from the picnic area bridge and don’t miss the historic Seppmann windmill, one of Minnesota’s first stone gristmills

BRAYDEN MILLS PHOTO

RAMSEY FALLS

RAMSEY PARK/CANSAYAPI PARK, REDWOOD FALLS, MN

Set aside a full day to enjoy the sights and sounds of this Redwood County gem. With two postcardperfect waterfalls, four miles of hiking trails, and even a zoo, the hard part is deciding what to see next.

Also known as the “Little Yellowstone of Minnesota,” it features a rumbling, roaring creek that plunges 45 feet into a rugged, wooded ravine, staking claim as the park’s distinctive centerpiece. This is the largest city park in Minnesota, with native, wooded areas never cut or used for pasture. The area has been used as a picnic area and park continuously since 1886, including nearly 50 years as a Minnesota State Park.

BRAYDEN MILLS PHOTO

RED ROCK FALLS

SANBORN, MN

The star of the show at Red Rock Falls County Park is little Mound Creek, which turns into a roaring waterfall as it tumbles from a 30-foot rock cliff and gathers into a pool. Walk a short distance around the rim of this miniature gorge and see two more, smaller sets of falls. Interpretive signs tell the story of indigenous people who lived in Minnesota thousands of years ago. Much like the Jeffers Petroglyphs, which are only four miles away, these falls were a major landmark for them on their journeys.

JAN LASAR PHOTO

MINNEHAHA FALLS

MINNEHAHA REGIONAL PARK, MINNEAPOLIS, MN

One of the most visited destinations in the Twin Cities and a beloved hometown landmark, Minnehaha Falls delivers the scenic goods every time, backed up with storied Minnesota history.

Minnehaha Creek makes its leisurely, scenic tour of the city from Lake Minnetonka to the Mississippi River, showing off some of the prettiest areas of town along the way. Dignified mansions and quaint cottages, secluded ponds and wetlands, and miles of wooded greenways are all on display. The creek concludes its journey in dramatic fashion at Minnehaha Regional Park, bursting through a slice in the vertical cliff walls and thundering 53 feet to a large pool below; a cacophony of frothy, vertical rapids echoing off the bluffs. A commons area perched at the edge of the bluff opposite the falls offers a postcard view, with a unique historical interpretive display of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s “Song of Hiawatha” carved in the stone walkways and benches.

JIM HOFFMAN PHOTO

ROOT RIVER FALLS

LANESBORO, MN

Embraced in pastoral, picturesque bluffs and serenaded by the Root River, Lanesboro is one of the state’s most beautiful towns, with calendarshot scenery in every direction.

Wonderfully preserved gingerbread Victorian homes line Lanesboro’s streets, while majestic, 300-foot bluffs rise above town. The magnificent Root River Trail passes right through town on its 60-mile tour of some breathtaking scenery, crossing 47 bridges along the way. Topping it all off is an especially pretty waterfall in town, spilling over a 150-year-old dam constructed of cut stone that spreads the falls into an elongated veil. Cracks and holes in the stone create tributary spouts of water that blend with the main freefalling sheets, and the falls appear as groups of hovering, gray ghosts.

JIM HOFFMAN PHOTO

ST. ANTHONY FALLS

MILL RUINS PARK, MINNEAPOLIS, MN

Steeped in state history and revered by the Dakota, St. Anthony Falls gave rise to the flour milling market in Minneapolis and still offers a splendid complement to the city’s handsome skyline today.

Minnesota has a long and storied history with St. Anthony Falls, the only significant waterfall on the entire Mississippi River. Visitors to the falls enjoy a double treat—the falls and the gorgeous Stone Arch Bridge. Although heavily modified over many years, St. Anthony Falls remains a highlight to downtown and the inviting river’s edge scene. Head out to the middle of the bridge for the best view of the falls, where it slides in a long line over a concrete apron into a swift current of rapids. The bridge itself is a wonderful historic landmark. Check out the St. Anthony Falls Heritage Trail as well, a 2-mile interpretive path with unforgettable sights and sounds of this city center gem.

BRAYDEN MILLS PHOTO

MARINE MILL FALLS

MARINE ON ST. CROIX, MN

Marine on St. Croix radiates charm from every street corner. With a pretty waterfall and hometown ice cream shop, plan to linger a while.

Tucked into the folds of the western banks of the St. Croix River, Marine on St. Croix is an enchanting little hamlet with a firm grip on its proud history. Many town buildings still serve as originally intended and remain in impeccable condition. The one-block “downtown” is home to the 1872 Stone House Museum, Village Hall and the Marine General Store. A sizable portion of the village is on the National Register of Historic Places. This is also the site of the first commercial sawmill in Minnesota. Spring-fed Mill Stream casually flows into town, briefly ducking out of sight and emerging from a half-moon tunnel beneath Judd Street in a vigorous cascade.

BRAYDEN MILLS PHOTO

SWINGING BRIDGE AND ST. LOUIS FALLS

JAY COOKE STATE PARK, CARLTON, MN

This pair of rugged waterfalls starts off a visit to Jay Cooke State Park with a scenic bang. See them both from the landmark swinging bridge, just steps from the visitor center.

After the St. Louis River journeys from expansive woods and wetlands northwest of Cloquet, it meanders into Jay Cooke State Park, its root beer–brown water stirring along past some of Minnesota’s most breathtaking scenery. Jay Cooke’s landscape has deep valleys and high ridges of dense northern forest, rugged rock formations, and high cliff walls along the river. Fifty miles of hiking trails squiggle through the park on both sides of the river. A short path from the visitor center leads to the park’s popular swinging bridge. St. Louis Falls is directly upstream from the bridge and always puts on a good show—a collection of a dozen or so smaller waterfalls and one biggie in the middle, all roiling past huge hunks of black diabase and greywacke rock leaning determinedly to the north.

JIM HOFFMAN PHOTO

DULUTH WATERFALLS

Duluth is steeped in Great Lakes history and a perennial “best places to live” winner. It’s also loaded with waterfalls, tumbling down through five scenic city parks.

Miller Creek (above, bottom) is a relaxing stream flowing through Lincoln Park at the south end of town. There are a half dozen cascades strewn along the creek and many places to sidle up and enjoy the sights and sounds.

Chester Creek tumbles through a rugged gorge of mystery and adventure and its namesake park is a fairy tale you can walk right into. Don’t miss this gem in the heart of the city

Tischer Creek (above, top) overflows with waterfalls in one of Duluth’s prettiest areas. Congdon Park is a small, skinny park in a deep gorge of red cliffs, dense stands of cedar, slender dirt footpaths, and bridges over the creek. It is an absolutely gorgeous trek and a perfect place to disappear for a few hours.

Amity Creek flows through one of the most distractingly beautiful areas of Duluth, touching two scenic parks along the way and showing off a collection of lively waterfalls.

The Lester River is the northernmost river in Duluth proper, and like its brethren to the south, offers multiple waterfalls to enjoy.

JIM HOFFMAN PHOTOS

UPPER FALLS

GOOSEBERRY FALLS STATE PARK, TWO HARBORS, MN

Only a short hike from the hubbub around the main attraction waterfalls, Upper Falls sparks curiosity to explore the rest of the park.

Hike past the distinctive masonry of the 300-footlong park stone wall, built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, and under the highway to a postcard setting. Upper Falls thunders 30 feet in twin cascades over a shallow crescent of rock ledges jutting from a vibrant grove of tall cedar and pine dappled with birch and aspen. The main overlook offers a superb head-on view. A trail through the cedars, damp with mist from the falls, leads right to the crest where you can feel the water’s roar at your feet. Several ancient lava flows can be seen here, the result of an unfathomable split in the earth along the present-day North Shore. The Fifth Falls Trail continues through the woods along the west banks of the river to a bridge crossing its namesake falls, where the epic Superior Hiking Trail wanders in from the backcountry.

JIM HOFFMAN PHOTO

CASCADE FALLS

TETTEGOUCHE STATE PARK

A robust hike along the Baptism River leads to this crowd-free and elegant waterfall, with perfectly placed boulders for lounging.

Among my go-to favorites, Tettegouche State Park is like a giant, living postcard, with nature’s finest dressed to the nines on every overlook and shoreline and remote backcountry trail. The Cascades are closest to the highway, but only one little-used path goes that way, and crowds of visitors are typically kept at bay by the dramatic scenes just a short stroll from the park entrance, and the dramatic High Falls upstream. Past a half-moon bend in the river, the stately waterfall appears in a shallow cirque of squat cliffs and ragged heaps of boulders. Mixed stands of aspen, birch, and pine garnish the top of a small ridge above the falls. Sublime. Plan to stay a while at this North Shore jewel.

STEVE JOHNSON PHOTO

Upper Falls, right

JIM HOFFMAN PHOTO

Devil’s Kettle, below

BRAYDEN MILLS PHOTO

UPPER FALLS AND DEVIL’S KETTLE

JUDGE C.R.

MAGNEY STATE PARK, GRAND MARAIS, MN

Get breathtaking scenery every step of the way on this hike to the raucous, furious, humbling mystery of Devil’s Kettle.

The main trail leads to an overlook high above Upper Falls. It’s a fantastic view, with the falls framed by dense woods; a gorgeous sight throughout the year, but especially in autumn when the entire gorge is ablaze in orange and red. A steep stairway descends straight to the base of the falls. Just upstream, the Brule River steps lively and then rages toward a massive blockade of rock that splits the water into two forks. One plummets into a narrow chute and blasts out to a plunge pool 50 feet below. The other simply vanishes. In a raging torrent exploding with frightening velocity, this fork of the river rushes into a gigantic pothole, thundering with the echo of the violent deluge, and is gone. Local legend insists anything thrust into this void disappears forever, and standing this close to the Kettle one tends to agree.

Explore Otter Tail County Trails

HEART OF THE LAKES TRAIL

Heart of the Lakes Trail provides an exciting 32-mile recreational trail connection between the cities of Perham and Pelican Rapids and Maplewood State Park.

Scan the QR code to discover additional trails in OtterTail County

Kids THESE Days

Don’t let the flat fairways and pin drop-quiet putting greens fool you. Edina’s new, and first, mountain bike trails are the real deal. You’re reading this in early 2025 and by now, this rollicking trail system is broken in and primed for its inaugural full season. All told, beginner to expert riders can turn it loose on an enticing blend of roughly eight miles of wavy, rolling paths flanking the east and west sides of Braemar Golf Course.

The mountain bike trails’ grand opening happened in September 2024, along with just over two miles of hiking trails, born of the area’s woods and bulbous ridgelines at the south end of the city. After ridding the hills of invasive buckthorn, Afton-based Pathfinder Trail Building put in a masterclass of trail construction culminating in what is being widely hailed as

one of Minnesota’s finest fat tire destinations, fitting accolades among Minnesota’s extensive network of mountain biking trails that rivals even celebrated destinations like Bentonville, AR.

The dynamic course keeps riders constantly engaged with punchy climbs and descents, and features like 12-foot table jumps and lumpy jump lines that spring you along like a pogo stick. The challenging features also have bailout options for riders still honing their skills.

We can thank the kids for all this. Nearly a decade past, city officials drafted a master plan to glean the most of the 500-acre park adjacent to Braemar Arena. Just a few years prior, Edina High School spawned a mountain bike team, on the heels of the creation of the Minnesota Cycling Association in 2012, an initiative

to get more kids on bikes, now boasting over 125 schools, 80 teams, and high-energy race events. The team’s founding members saw an opportunity, successfully advocating to include mountain biking trails in the master planning study, arguing that the growing sport deserved a place in the community’s recreational future. Their vision, backed by a local option sales tax for funding, took nearly a decade to materialize but has proven worth the wait.

Minnesota Off-Road Cyclists (MORC) board member Pat Hoffman added his take on the impact of these trails. “The most important thing about these new bike trails is what they give back to the community. It’s an outlet for kids and adults to have something to do outside, to get away from technology. So what they’ve built here is pretty special.”

Indeed, for the past decade, the Edina mountain bike team has been more than just a sports program. Like most MCA teams, it’s a grassroots effort powered entirely by volunteer parent coaches who come and go as their children progress through the program. But their influence extends far beyond race results and skill development.

STORY BY STEVE JOHNSON

CITY OF EDINA PHOTO

Bob Vose, team liaison to the city, explained that after a decade, today’s trails are testament to how instrumental the team was in getting trails added and what it means for Edina and most importantly, its active kids. “It’s great for two things,” he said, “one is for local businesses and it’s great for trail development. The growth of trails in Minnesota is unbelievable and is particularly driven by all the kids getting into it.” Vose conveyed to city planners on trail design as well, a wish list including plenty of features and an overall challenging trail system. “The racing

the high school kids do has gotten a lot more challenging. We don’t have a ton of elevation, but they [Pathfinder] really made great use of it. It’s very punchy up, down all the time, even though there’s only around 100 feet in elevation change. I could probably spend the rest of my lifetime riding and not be able to clean everything in there.”

At a recent team banquet, all 110 team members acknowledged improving their skills thanks to the new trails. “No matter how good you are, you’re going to get better by riding

STEVE JOHNSON PHOTOS

“It’s an outlet for kids and adults to have something to do outside, to get away from technology.”

there,” said Vose.

Braemar includes trails of traditional colors, with all blue on the east side and a mix of blue and green, with a ribbon of black, on the west. Don’t miss the Northwest Blue Jumpline for accordion whoop-de-dos and short, sharp ramps that send you airborne with even a moderate head of steam. The Northwest Green is a flowy loop along the base of the ridge, with a gradual climb into the oaks, while the Blue Loop frolics among the trees,

with commanding views east over the golf course.

The east side trail is a continuous, connected squiggly loop that swoops along steep cambers and rolls over punchy stepups. With a little speed, on both sides you can spend nearly as much time in the air as on the dirt. Newer riders plenty content to avoid crashing can cruise on flowy, fun trail adjacent to the mayhem.

This transformation from an everyday golf course-park upgrade to a top-shelf

mountain biking facility stands as a model for other communities, demonstrating how community involvement, particularly through youth sports programs, can create lasting impact and reshape local recreation opportunities for generations.

The newest contingent of dirt fiends are out there. Get on out and join them. And don’t forget to keep an eye open for an errant golf ball.

STORY BY STEVE JOHNSON

They saw the forest for the trees, or, at Northern Heights, the trail for the buckthorn.

Alec Tackmann and Scott Hogen with Rochester Active Sports Club (RASC) were at the metaphorical bullhorn, driving the charge to bring mountain bike trails to an otherwise innocuous 65 acres of woods and ravines. But it wasn’t an easy, rally-the-troops endeavor. Only days after RASC’s initial proposal for a new multi-use trail in July 2024, more than 400 people from the surrounding neighborhood voiced their opinions on the project through a website, door-to-door canvassing and picketing. The RASC team was caught in a political tornado but stayed grounded with diligence, raising public awareness, and believing in a good thing.

After a favorable park board vote, trail construction began and after nine weeks of dedicated work by club members and volunteers, Rochester’s newest trail opened to “this is amazing” and “I love it” reviews from area mountain bikers and hikers. Th a place formerly overgrown with invasive buckthorn and laced with spiderwebs of downed trees. In one of the few pockets of nature left in town, thanks to Decorah Edge substrate unfavorable for building, this spot is blissfully free of subdivisions, too. Th a big tally of manual labor hours with loppers, McLeods, mechanized trenching equipment, and wheelbarrows, and today we have about 1.5 miles of easy-level, sustainable, multi-use trail winding along the shoulders of the park’s grandaddy ravine.

It’s amazing to see a blank slate forest or field become a trail. Hats off to the countless volunteer hours of backbreaking labor as well as genius trail design. At Northern Heights, it came in the form of Joshua Rebennack, a revered trail designer, International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA) certified Trail Boss, and crew-boss trail designer for the Cuyuna Lakes mountain bike crew. “When I first rode Lebanon Hills [in Eagan, MN] in 2008, I got the mountain biking bug, so I reached out to MORC (Minnesota Off-Road Cyclists) and met the people working to make the Cuyuna trails happen.”

In 2016, Rebennack began helping mountain bike groups, clubs and land managers create better mountain biking experiences and advocating for trails, speaking at conferences and working with groups all over the country. “A lot of people over the last 25 years have tried things with good and bad results and learned from them,” Rebennack said. “Why, if you are a city or club, go through all that learning process from scratch? Why not shortcut all that by taking what works and just applying it to your local situation?”

Rebennack is also author of “Knobbies in the Neighborhood”, “a presentation regarding urban trails and, more cally, urban mountain biking, designed to help a club or a municipality make the best trails they can inside their town.” For Northern Heights, he fired up LiDAR maps, rainwater and soil simulations, and a trail design was born.

“We were surprised,” said Tackmann, “because when we got the wetland study back, it showed half the -limits except for the twisty part on top. Then Josh said, ‘Well, how about this?’ Our original plan was to start with a two-mile loop around the park and then later do more stuff in the middle, but he came back t a mile and a

“We put in a 100-foot buffer between backyards, and [the trail] runs next to the fewest homes possible. I rode the trail in late January, and even with bare trees, adjacent homes were hardly noticeable. Full-bloom foliage will feel like riding in way-out woods.”

To date, Rochester has more than 20 miles of multi-use trails at locations across town, with more in development, augmenting Minnesota’s place as leader in the nation for urban mountain biking.

Rebennack: “Minnesota is the best, as a state, in the country for urban trails. But we shouldn’t rest on our laurels, as that is how the rot sets in. Oddly, the success and national fame of Cuyuna and Redhead

have sort of distorted our output in recent years. Everyone wants to do a 2.0 version of those things, which isn’t what we need. There are three types of trails we need more of: A lot more small-scale, one- to five-mile neighborhood trails, especially in greater Minnesota. Dedicated event spaces, especially a single “Superbowl” location that could handle state, regional, and national events. A non-motorized “Boundary Waters of Biking” adventure route system that would span some [wild areas], connecting small towns.”

RASC’s roster of around 600 members is impressive in its own right, but, even more so, the bulk of trail maintenance is managed by only six people, and a couple dozen more on big trail work days. The Minnesota Cycling Association (MCA) is the umbrella organization for high school and middle school mountain bike teams, which hosts 1,900 riders on race day at Gamehaven Reservoir, a Rochester multiuse park with twelve miles of mountain bike trails.

“RASC is in the thick of it, their mission dedicated to the support and growth of mountain biking, Nordic skiing, road and gravel cycling, and other silent sports. We groom about 17 miles of trail at Gamehaven,” said Hogen. “And Nordic [trails] grooms about 17 km. We have about 80 kids and 20 coaches, and we do community education classes every year for kids from underserved neighborhoods.”

What does the future look like? Within RASC itself are diverse interests. Some want jumps, some want technical riding and features, and others just want to ride on the dirt. Plans to add more trail miles here are in the works. For now, RASC’s website has this to say:

The trail will be accessible to various user types throughout the year, including cyclists, pedestrians, and those with fourlegged companions. Safety measures have been incorporated, such as designated directions for different user types and the clearing of brush to ensure safe sight lines. No parking lots, bathrooms, or other facilities will be installed.

Our concept plan has been developed under the supervision of Rochester Parks & Rec, adhering to guidelines set forth by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission. These guidelines encompass standards for trail slope, curvature, and density, ensuring the sustainability of the trail.

Like all trails constructed and maintained by RASC, this trail will be freely accessible to the general public, following Rochester Parks system rules. The plan is designed to complement existing amenities, such as the baseball diamond and skating rink, while intentionally maintaining a considerable distance from residential areas.

RIVER BLUFFRide

STORY BY STEVE JOHNSON

Minnesota’s southeastern bluff country is finally seeing some long-overdue mountain biking love. While areas from the Twin Cities to Lutsen host what has become some of the best mountain biking in the nation, the state’s lower quadrant stayed quiet, waiting in the wings, if you will, for a chance to take the stage alongside its A-list players. In last fall’s issue, we featured one of these heavy hitters, Winona’s Bluffs Traverse, a rollicking gem in the hilly highlands west of the city.

Down to the southwest, just past contentedly charming and subtly upbeat Lanesboro, mountain bike fans can now roll on a nascent new trail at Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center, a circa 2021 singletrack trail loping 1.4 miles along the top of the bluff. Laura Ahmed, onsite Marketing and Communications Director, conveyed enthusiasm matching the trail’s lively vibe. “It’s a pretty chill, flowy ride, and not highly technical or terribly rugged.” Created and rated for beginner and casual riders, the trail is free of expert-level features, making it ideal for those looking to enjoy a few sweeping berms and easygoing turns.

We can thank Marty Johnson for this fun and scenic, rider-friendly trail. “Our [growing] mountain bike trail system,” said Ahmed, “was built entirely in-house without contractors—a grassroots project that began in 2019. Marty, our Maintenance Manager, started developing trails as a passion project, which has since evolved into a multi-use trail network designed for mountain biking, hiking, and trail running. Each year, he continues to expand the system, hoping to attract more outdoor enthusiasts to Eagle Bluff.”

Johnson’s initiation to trail building is the perfect out-in-the-woods backstory. “In 2019, I moved into a cabin out here in the woods [at Eagle Bluff],” he said. “No internet, no TV. So, for something to do, I just started building trails. I watched

THE TRAIL DIRT:

ofgotme

YouTube videos, and that kind of got me going. I just started with a shovel and a McLeod, and then I figured out how to use our big Troy-Bilt tiller. That sped things up considerably. I’ve definitely learned a lot, and as the trails progressed, they’ve gotten better,” he said.

“A lot of people still don’t know about the trails. I’m hoping to build a network of volunteers this year. It’s not so hard building it; maintaining is even more work. I feel there’s huge potential out here, but to really pull people in, you need at least 10 miles of trail. Hopefully, we’ll eventually get there.”

Eagle Bluff ’s Overlook Trail is a 0.7-mile out-and-back singletrack, multi-use trail designed for mountain biking, hiking, and trail running, offering a scenic route through the Root River Valley. ck t us

From the main parking area of the Center’s campus, riders dart through vibrant hardwood forest on the Overlook-Chickadee Central loop, following a southeasterly course to the overlook point. Soak in radiant views of the Root River valley and then retrace the trail back to the start. Looking for more miles? Hit up the trail that loops around the campus and back through the parking lot.

The trail is groomed in winter, too, and is a blast for fat biking. Ahmed reminds us the snowy season is just as

WHAT TO EXPECT

Riders and runners will experience smooth flow, berms, a bridge, and small drops, making it an excellent route for beginners and experienced adventurers alike. The scenic overlook is the highlight of the trail, offering panoramic views of the Root River before completing the loop.

For those looking for a longer route, expand your ride or run to a two-mile loop by parking at the Schroeder Visitor Center, following Goodview Drive to the trailhead, and connecting to the Chickadee Central Overlook Loop after reaching the scenic viewpoint.

Scenic overlook of the Root River

much, and sometimes more, fun than the rest of them. “Fat tire biking is such a fun thing to do in Minnesota, and obviously we’re all about getting people outside yearround. Biking is such a great way to stay active in the winter.”

Even so, hiking and biking trails here are an underused amenity, according to Ahmed. “Despite its incredible potential-especially given our proximity to Lanesboro—the ‘biking capital of Minnesota’—Eagle Bluff’s trails remain one of the region’s best-kept secrets.

“Not enough people appreciate Minnesota’s bluffs. One of our challenges is that so much of our programming is pre-planned. People book a trip, like an outdoor school visit, and K-12 outdoor schools come and experience everything that we have to offer. But, I think people forget they can just come to our campus

“It’s a pretty chill, flowy ride, and n ot

and hike and bike. And that’s one of the areas we’re really trying to grow, so that’s why this is very exciting for us.”

Established in 1978, Eagle Bluff brings outdoor education to young students via the outdoors as a classroom. History, nature and ecology; outdoor adventure and science; animal signs and archery; pond study and wildlife ecology are all taught here without setting a foot inside a classroom. In addition, active events draw the public all year long, from Nature Preschool and summer camps to wildlife care and the annual Maple Syrup Fest. The Center also hosts a speaker series with experts from the local community leading discussions on environmentally related topics.

On a stunning 250-acre campus of restored prairie and dense woods above the Root River, Eagle Bluff’s mission is “dedicated to transforming lives through positive outdoor experiences.” That kind of powerful work changes lives, and it goes beyond school-age students; visitors of all ages are welcome to adventure at the center, cultivating experiences that the Eagle Bluff team ensures will foster critical thinking and a deep connection to nature.

Off the bike, another ancillary gem at Eagle Bluff is the Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail, a new long-distance path in the making, with a vision of one day winding 100 miles from Chatfield to the Mississippi River’s southernmost exit from Minnesota. Modeled in part from the Appalachian Trail’s mojo and our own Superior Hiking Trail, Ahmed sees an opportunity to link short trail branches or loops to the Driftless Trail. “We have about 10 miles of hiking trail [at Eagle Bluff], and we are surrounded by state forest, which is wonderful. It makes our campus feel much more expansive.

“We have connections to state hiking

UPCOMING TRAIL EXPANSION

Eagle Bluff is looking to expand its trail system in the spring and summer of 2025, boosting outdoor exploration even further.

trails as well, and Eagle Bluff is the fiscal agent for the Driftless Hiking Trail, so we oversee all the grants related to that project. It’s a full grassroots effort, and we hope and envision this happening in segments a little bit here, a little bit there, and then connecting them all up. It’s going to take time, but it makes sense for that trail’s route to come through Eagle Bluff.”

Location matters, and the Driftless Trail’s current vision has Eagle Bluff smack in the middle of its route. “If hikers don’t want to commit to the full 100 miles, they can park on our campus and sample a little chunk of it. Once it’s all connected, it’ll be like the roots of a tree, shooting out in all different kinds of directions.”

Ahmed added more to the ideal fit with the Driftless Trail project. “It’s been a hiking desert down here in southeastern Minnesota, but there’s no need for it at all. We have lots of land, and we have lots of interest in hiking, so it feels like a very natural project for Eagle Bluff to be involved in and help to grow so much each year.”

Mountain bike trail

Hiking trails

Winter on the Root River

TRAIL PARTNERS

Need a place to eat, stay, play and upgrade your gear? Our Trail Partners are here to help!

BIKE SHOPS

FITZHARRIS BIKE & SPORT 320-251-2844 105 7th Avenue S, St. Cloud www.fitzharrismn.com

JAKE’S BIKES 320-219-7433 419 N. Nokomis Street, Alexandria www.jakesbikes.com

REVOLUTION CYCLE AND SKI

320-251-2453 160 29th Avenue S, St. Cloud www.revolutioncycleandski.com

TOURIGHT BICYCLE SHOP 320-639-2453 124 2nd Street NE, Little Falls www.tourightbicycleshop.com

BIKE KING

651-457-7766 6489 Cahill Avenue, Inver Grove Heights www.bike-king.com

CARS BIKE SHOP

763-784-6966

2661 Co Road I & Old Hwy. 10, Mounds View www.carsbikeshop.com

RAMSEY BICYCLE 763-323-6666 6825 Hwy. 10 NW, Ramsey www.ramseybicycles.com

GEAR RENTALS

LAKE WOBEGON OUTFITTERS 320-333-3874 Lake Wobegon Trailhead, Avon lakewobegonoutfitters.com

LODGING/B&Bs/ CAMPING

BIG RIVER RESORT

651-565-9932 1110 Hiawatha Drive E, Wabasha www.bigriverresort.com

CUYUNA LAKES STAY 218-866-2353 23688 Forest Road, Deerwood www.cuyunalakesstay.com

RED RIDER RESORT 218-838-6858 23457 Co. Rd. 31, Crosby www.redriderresort.com

THE SANCTUARY 218-622-0321 222 2nd Street NW, Crosby www.thesanctuarycrosby.com

EARLY FROST FARMS STUDIO 218-208-9613 7273 Palo Tia Road, Embarrass, MN 55723 www.earlyfrostfarms.com

GREEN HERON B&B 218-999-5795 2810 Meyers Bay Road, Grand Rapids www.greenheronbandb.com

EAT & DRINK

THE DEERSTAND RESTAURANT AND BAR 24188 Mohs Street, Deerwood 218-534-9253 www.deerstandrestaurant.com

INFORMATION

GRANITE FALLS CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU 320-321-3202 761 Prentice Street S, Granite Falls www.visitgranitefalls.com

HUTCHINSON CHAMBER 320-587-5252 2 Main Street, Hutchinson www.explorehutchinson.com

VISIT BRAINERD 800-450-7247 214 S 7th Street, Brainerd www.visitbrainerd.com

LOVIN’ LAKE COUNTY 218-595-2800 1330 MN-61, Two Harbors www.lovinlakecounty.com

SERVICES

CUYUNA REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER 320 E Main Street, Crosby 218-546-7000 www.cuyunamed.org

DEERWOOD BANK 218-534-3111 21236 Archibald Road, Deerwood www.deerwoodbank.com

MID MINNESOTA FEDERAL CREDIT UNION 117 W Main Street, Crosby 218-546-5428 www.mmfcu.org

SPECIALTY STORES

COMMON GOODS 218-772-2999 27 W Main Street, Crosby www.commongoodsmn.org

LITTLE ROCKS DESIGN STICKERS Melrose 320-333-2520 www.littlerocksdesign.com

VICTUAL 218-545-1000 124 West Main Street, Crosby www.shopvictual.com

OARS-N-MINE 218-546-6912 22640 MN-6, Crosby www.oarsnmine.com See more details at: www.mntrails.com/trail-partners

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Adventure Cycle & Ski advcycle.com | Winona, MN

All Seasons Sports allseasonssports.net | Delano, MN

DL Bike Shop dlbikeshop.com | Detroit Lakes, MN

Downtown Bicycles downtownbicyclesllc.com | Northfield, MN

Gateway Cycle gatewaycycle.com | Oakdale, MN

Jake’s Bikes jakesbikes.com | Alexandria, MN

Martin’s Cycling & Fitness martinscyclingandfitness.com | Albert Lea, MN

Outdoor Motion outdoormotionbikes.com | Hutchinson, MN

Ramsey Bicycle ramseybicycle.com | Ramsey, MN

Revolution Cycle and Ski revolutioncycleandski.com | St. Cloud, MN

Rick’s Cycling and Sports Center rickscycling.com | Willmar, MN

Rochester Cycling cycling-fitness.com | Rochester, MN

Rydjor Bike Shop rydjor.com | Austin, MN

The Bike Shop thebikeshopmarshall.com | Marshall, MN